Tomah Area School District aims to improve security

TOMAH, Wis. (WEAU) -- The Tomah Area School District wants to make sure students are safer when they walk the halls.

Plans of how to make that happen were discussed at Wednesday night’s school board meeting

The district and school board says events like Sandy Hook have them thinking twice about school security.

“We thought it was a good time to review our security protocols and even our actual building security and safety how it’s designed,” said Tomah Area School District Business Manager Greg Gaarder.

Gaarder said right now it’s fairly easier for someone to go just about anywhere in any of the school buildings after they’re let in.

Once visitors are buzzed in through the front door, they sign in, and get a visitor badge.

“We’re looking at alternatives that might not only include redesigning the entrance of the buildings, but also looking at some electronic options to make that first and foremost safe,” said Gaarder.

Council Member Judy Deming who wasn’t available to talk on camera said it’s the students job to go to school and learn, and they should feel safe doing that.

However, she and Gaarder said there’s only so much you can do to make schools safe.

“I think we’ve done everything we can. Of course in this world as we know, we can’t guarantee the safety of really anybody anymore. It’s a changing world and we’re trying to change with it,” said Gaarder.

The district hopes the board will approve the final recommendations at their meeting on May 20.

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